Modular interlocking blocks

ABSTRACT

A block and various block assemblies are disclosed. The block has at least one side including one or more tapered slots. Each of the slots has one or more apertures. The at least one side has a bottom end comprising at least one footing and a top end comprising a groove. Blocks are stacked by fitting the footing of one block into the groove of another block. A block assembly comprises a first block, a second block, a double key, and connector tubes. The first block is connected to the second block using the double key, which is inserted into a slot on each of the blocks. A connector tube is threaded through apertures on the slots and the double key.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/308,383, filed Mar. 15, 2016, herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to blocks, and moreparticularly, to modular interlocking blocks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most conventional construction blocks are used to build structures byplacing one block on top of another, using mortar or another bindingmaterial to bind the blocks together and stabilize the resultingstructure. Once connected, the blocks are considered permanentstructures and are nearly impossible to break apart or reuse for anotherconstruction project.

Improvements to traditional construction blocks have aimed to eliminatethe use of a binding material so that the structure may be disassembledand the blocks may be reused. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,115,entitled “Wall System” and issued to Martel et al. on Sep. 26, 1978,discloses interlocking blocks utilizing tapered, dovetail slots. Theinterlocking design eliminates the need to use mortar or other bindingmaterial to build a structure out of the blocks, and thus the blocks maybe dismantled and reused for other projects. However, such improvedblock designs have failed to provide the means to secure each block tothe next block in all directions (e.g., vertically as well ashorizontally). The result is that the blocks, while reusable as aconstruction material because they are not permanently affixed to oneanother, are less stable than traditional construction blocks and lackthe adaptability to stack in all directions.

The present invention is aimed at one or more of the problems identifiedabove.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the present invention a block is disclosed. Theblock comprises at least one side including one or more tapered slots.Each of the one or more tapered slots has one or more apertures. The atleast one side has a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end comprisesleast one footing and the top end comprises a groove.

In a second aspect of the present invention a block assembly isdisclosed. The block assembly comprises a first block, a second block, adouble key, and one or more connector tubes. The first block has atleast one side. Each of the at least one sides includes one or moretapered slots. Each of the one or more tapered slots has one or moreapertures. The at least one side has a bottom end and a top end, thebottom end comprising at least one footing and the top end comprising agroove. The second block has at least one side. Each of the at least onesides includes one or more tapered slots. Each of the one or moretapered slots has one or more apertures. The at least one side has abottom end and a top end, the bottom end comprising at least one footingand the top end comprising a groove. The double key has a first side anda second side. The first side is inserted in a first tapered slot of theone or more tapered slots of the first block and has one or moreapertures aligned with the one or more apertures of the first taperedslot. The second side is inserted in a second tapered slot of the one ormore tapered slots of the second block and has one or more aperturesaligned with the one or more apertures of the second tapered slot. Theone or more connector tubes is threaded through each of (1) the one ormore apertures of the first tapered slot, (2) the one or more aperturesof the first side of the double key, (3) the one or more apertures ofthe second side of the double key, and (4) the one or more apertures ofthe second tapered slot.

In a third aspect of the present invention a block assembly isdisclosed. The block assembly comprises a first block, a second block, athird block, a fourth block, a double key, one or more connector tubes,and a fastener. The first block has at least one side. Each of the atleast one sides includes one or more tapered slots. Each of the one ormore tapered slots has one or more apertures. The at least one side hasa bottom end and a top end, the bottom end comprising at least onefooting and the top end comprising a groove. The second block has atleast one side. Each of the at least one sides includes one or moretapered slots. Each of the one or more tapered slots has one or moreapertures. The at least one side has a bottom end and a top end, thebottom end comprising at least one footing and the top end comprising agroove. The double key has a first side and a second side. The firstside is inserted in a first tapered slot of the one or more taperedslots of the first block and has one or more apertures aligned with theone or more apertures of the first tapered slot. The second side isinserted in a second tapered slot of the one or more tapered slots ofthe second block and has one or more apertures aligned with the one ormore apertures of the second tapered slot. The one or more connectortubes is threaded through each of (1) the one or more apertures of thefirst tapered slot, (2) the one or more apertures of the first side ofthe double key, (3) the one or more apertures of the second side of thedouble key, and (4) the one or more apertures of the second taperedslot. The third block is stacked on top of half of the second block. Thefourth block is stacked on top of half of the third block and verticallyaligned with the second block. The fastener has a first end and a secondend. The first end is looped around one connector tube of the one ormore connector tubes of the fourth block. The fastener passes through amidpoint of the third block. The second end is looped around oneconnector tube of the one or more connector tubes of the second block.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated asthe same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a block assembly according to a firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a top view of a full block of the block assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the full block of the block assembly of FIG.1;

FIG. 2C is a front view of the full block of the block assembly of FIG.1;

FIG. 3A is a top view of a half block of the block assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the half block of the block assembly of FIG.1;

FIG. 3C is a front view of the half block of the block assembly of FIG.1;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a double key;

FIG. 4B is a partial perspective view of the double key of FIG. 4A in anexemplary block assembly;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a single key;

FIG. 5B is a partial perspective view of the single key of FIG. 5A in anexemplary block assembly;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a connector;

FIG. 6B is a partial perspective view of the connector of FIG. 6A in anexemplary block assembly;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a removable base;

FIG. 7B is an exploded side view of the removable base of FIG. 7A withan exemplary block;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a block assembly according to a secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a block assembly according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a block assembly according to a fourthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a block fastener; and

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective cutaway view of the fastener of FIG. 11in a block assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like orcorresponding parts throughout the several views, the present inventionprovides adaptable, modular construction blocks. The modularconstruction blocks may be used to assemble a structure that ispermanent, or in the alternative, that may be disassembled such that theindividual blocks may be reused for another purpose. The presentinvention provides blocks with an interlocking construction in both thehorizontal and vertical directions without the need for mortar,specialized labor, or expensive tools. The blocks of the presentinvention may be manufactured in different materials, sizes, colors, andtextures for use in a wide variety of applications.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a block assembly 100according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Blockassembly 100 may include a full block 102, a half block 104, a doublekey 106, one or more connectors 110 (not shown; see FIG. 6A), one ormore optional single key 108, and an optional, removable base 112 (notshown; see FIGS. 7A-7B).

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2C, a top view, a front view, and a side viewof full block 102 of the block assembly 100 of FIG. 1 illustrate thevarious features of full block 102. Full block 102 has a width that isequal to its height, minus the height of one or more footings 114 alongits bottom. The length of full block 102 is exactly twice its width.Full block 102 features groove 116 along its top that matches footings114. When a full block 102 is placed directly on top of another fullblock 102, footings 114 fit into grooves 116, thus allowing for perfectstacking. In between each two footings 114 is a notch 118. At least onenotch 118 is on each side of full block 102 to allow staggered stacking,both lengthwise and widthwise.

Full block 102 further includes one or more tapered slots 120 on eachside. Slots 120 are shaped to fit double key 106 and single key 108.Each slot 120 includes two apertures 122.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, a perspective view of a double key 106 isshown. Double key 106 is comprised of a first side 126 and a second side128. Double key 106 further includes two double key apertures 124 oneach of the first side 126 and the second side 128, and is tapered tomatch the shape of slot 120.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, a partial perspective view of the double key106 of FIG. 4A in an exemplary block assembly is shown. First side 126of double key 106 is inserted into slot 120 of a first block 130.Apertures 122 align with double key apertures 124. Second side 128 ofdouble key 106 may be inserted into a slot 120 of a second block 132 toconnect first block 130 to second block 132.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, a perspective view of a single key 108 isshown. Single key 108 serves an esthetic purpose. It can be insertedinto any slot 120 whenever that slot 120 is not being used to connect toanother block via double key 106. Referring now to FIG. 5B, a partialperspective view of the single key 108 of FIG. 5A in an exemplary blockassembly is shown. Single key 108 is inserted into slot 120 on block134, creating a smooth outer surface on block 134 for a sleek, finishedlook.

Referring again to FIG. 1, apertures 122 hold connector 110. Referringnow to FIG. 6A, a perspective view of a connector 110 is shown.Connector 110 may be a hollow tube comprised of any material of suitablestrength. By way of example and not limitation, connector 10 may becomprised of steel. The function of connector 110 is to stabilize twoadjacent blocks and/or to serve as an access point between them.

Referring now to FIG. 6B, a partial perspective view of the connector110 of FIG. 6A in an exemplary block assembly is shown. Connector 110 isthreaded through an aperture 122 of a first block 136, an aperture 124(not shown) of a double key 106, and an aperture 122 (not shown) of asecond block 138.

Due to its hollow interior, material may be passed from one block toanother adjacent block via connector 110 as needed, depending on how theresulting block structure will be used. By way of example and notlimitation, the following materials may be fed through connector 110: asprinkler system, to use the structure as a plant container; rebar, ifconcrete or other binding material will be poured to make it a permanentstructure; and plumbing, gas lines, or electrical conduit.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, a top view, a front view, and a side viewof half block 104 of the block assembly 100 of FIG. 1 illustrate thevarious features of half block 104. Half block 104 is a cube that isexactly half the length of full block 102. It is designed to permit theprogression of block assembly 100 at 90-degree angles. Once added tofull block 102, half block 104 allows the option to add another block toform a straight line or a right angle extending either direction.Construction can continue in all four directions, even at the same time,as needed (see FIGS. 8-10). Half block 104 features at least one footing114 along each side of its bottom and groove 116 along its top thatmatches footings 114. When a half block 104 is placed directly on top ofanother half block 104, footings 114 fit into grooves 116, thus allowingfor perfect stacking.

Half block 104 further includes one tapered slot 120 on each side. Slots120 are shaped to fit double key 106 and single key 108. Each slot 120includes two apertures 122, which align with double key apertures (notshown; see FIGS. 4A-4B) and which hold connector 110.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, a perspective view of a removable base 112 isshown. Removable base 112 may have one or more base apertures 140.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, an exploded side view of the removable base112 of FIG. 7A with an exemplary block is shown. Apertures 140 allowmaterial to pass through the exterior of a block 142 to the interior ofblock 142, such as but not limited to plumbing, gas lines, or electricalconduit. Apertures 140 may alternatively be used for drainage, forinstance, if the block is used as a plant container.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, different block configurations according tovarious embodiments of the present invention are shown. Those skilled inthe art will recognize that these configurations are illustrative onlyand that many other configurations are possible.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a perspective view of a block assembly 200according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.Block assembly 200 includes a first full block 202 and a second fullblock 204. First full block 202 includes six slots 120, one on each endand two on each side. First full block 202 is connected to second fullblock 204 via double key 106 and connector 110. Second full block 204has only two slots 120, one on each end.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a perspective view of a block assembly 300according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. Blockassembly 300 includes a first full block 302, a second full block 304,and a third full block 306. First full block 302 and third full block306 each have only two slots 120, one on each end. Second full block 304includes six slots 120, one on each end and two on each side. A firstend 308 of first full block 302 is connected to a first side 312 ofsecond full block 304 via double key 106 and connectors 110 to create a90-degree angle between first full block 302 and second full block 304.A second end 308 of first full block 302 includes single key 108 in oneslot 120. A second side 314 of second full block 304 is connected to afirst end 316 of third full block 306 via a double key 106 andconnectors 110 (one of which is shown) to create a 90-degree anglebetween second full block 304 and third full block 306, where third fullblock 306 is parallel to first full block 302. A second end 318 of thirdfull block 306 includes an open slot 120.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a perspective view of a block assembly 400according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown.Block assembly 400 includes a first full block 402, a second full block404, a half block 406, and a third full block 408. First full block 402and third full block 408 each have only two slots 120, one on each end.Second full block 404 includes six slots 120, one on each end and two oneach side. Half block 406 includes one slot 120 on each of its foursides.

A first end 410 of first full block 402 is connected to a first side 412of second full block 404 via double key 106 and connectors 110 to createa 90-degree angle between first full block 402 and second full block404.

A first end 414 of second full block 404 is connected to a first side416 of half block 406 via double key 106 and connectors 110 (one ofwhich is shown). A second side 418 of half block 406 is connected to afirst end 420 of third full block 408 via double key 106 and connectors110 (one of which is shown) to create a 90-degree angle between secondfull block 404 and third full block 408, where third full block 408 isparallel to first full block 402.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a perspective view of a block fastener 500 isshown. Block fastener 500 includes a first end 502 and a second end 504.Block fastener 500 is used to secure one block to another block whenstacked vertically (not shown; see FIG. 12).

Referring now to FIG. 12, a partial perspective cutaway view of thefastener of FIG. 11 in a block assembly 600 according to a fifthembodiment of the present invention is shown. Block assembly 600includes a first block row 506 stacked on top of a second block row 508,which is stacked on top of a third block row 510. Each of block rows506, 508, and 510 comprise one or more individual blocks. First end 502of fastener 500 is looped around a connector 110 of a first block 512 infirst block row 506. Fastener 500 passes through the middle of a secondblock 514 in second block row 508. Second end 504 of fastener 500 islooped around a connector 110 of a third block 516 of third block row510. It will be understood that fastener 500 may be looped around anyconnector 110 on either side of any block.

The use of connectors 110 and fasteners 500 to connect rows of blocksdrastically reduces the need for a foundation to support the resultingblock structure. It is possible to build openings in a structure, suchas doorways, windows, and bridge ways, using the blocks of the presentinvention because connectors 110 and fasteners 500 hold each rowtogether, without requiring support from the row beneath it.

Blocks of the present invention may be used as standalone containers.Alternatively, blocks of the present invention may be connected and/orstacked on top of one another in a variety of ways to build a variety ofstructures. For purposes of illustration and not limitation, some ofthese techniques are described herein. The blocks may be connectedside-by-side or end-to-end, and/or may be stacked top-to-bottom orstaggered. For instance, a first block may be stacked directly on top ofa second block having the same dimensions as the first block. In analternate embodiment, a first block may be stacked halfway between thetwo blocks aligned end-to-end below the first block (see FIG. 12). Inyet another embodiment, a first block may be staggered halfway over twoblocks aligned end-to-end below it, such that half of the width of thefirst block covers only half of the width and half of the length of eachof the two blocks below (i.e., the first block covers a quarter of thetotal surface area of each of the two blocks). In yet anotherembodiment, one or more blocks in an upper row may be bridged over twoor more blocks in a lower row, where at least two of the blocks in thelower row are not connected and space is left between them, creating abridge with the upper row. The bridging may also be accomplished using ahalf block. Due to the versatility of the block design, many variationsand combinations of these connecting and stacking techniques using anynumber of rows and blocks may be accomplished.

Depending on the size, materials, and configuration of the blocks of thepresent invention, the blocks or resulting structures may have a varietyof uses. The blocks of the present invention and parts thereof (e.g.,double key, single key) may be comprised of any suitable material,including for instance cement or plastic conglomerates. Optionally, thematerials may contain color. Depending on the material(s) used and thedesired esthetic, blocks may have a smooth or textured finish.

By way of illustration and not limitation, a standalone block (fullblock or half block) may be used as a container for flowers/plants, orother materials. When used as a plant/flower container, removable base112 may be used to hold soil, or a block without removable base 112 maybe placed directly into the ground, e.g., for planting in a garden.

Connected blocks of the present invention may be used as, for instance,basic blocks in the construction of standalone walls, retaining walls,entire buildings, or any similar application. Blocks of the presentinvention may be connected and disassembled without the use of specialtools or specialized skills. The ability to easily assemble,disassemble, and reuse blocks of the present invention is particularlyuseful when temporary structures are needed. Moreover, because theblocks may be connected both horizontally (using double keys 106 andconnectors 110) as well as vertically (using fasteners 500 andconnectors 110), the resulting structure is exceptionally stable and maybe useful for building structures resistant to earthquakes, tornadoesand other natural disasters.

Alternatively, blocks of the present invention may be manufactured asminiature plastic architectural modeling blocks or constructive playblocks for children.

Any modifications and variations of the present invention are possiblein light of the above teachings. The invention may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described within the scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A block comprising: at least one side includingone or more tapered slots, each of the one or more tapered slots havingone or more apertures, wherein the at least one side has a bottom endand a top end, the bottom end comprising at least one footing and thetop end comprising a groove.
 2. The block of claim 1, wherein the atleast one side includes two tapered slots.
 3. The block of claim 1,wherein each of the one or more tapered slots has two apertures.
 4. Theblock of claim 1, further comprising a double key inserted in a firsttapered slot of the one or more tapered slots.
 5. The block of claim 4,wherein the double key includes one or more apertures aligned with theone or more apertures of the first tapered slot.
 6. The block of claim5, further comprising one or more connector tubes threaded through theone or more apertures of the double key and the one or more apertures ofthe first tapered slot.
 7. The block of claim 1, further comprising asingle key inserted in the first tapered slot of the one or more taperedslots.
 8. The block of claim 1, further comprising a removable baseconnected to the at least one side.
 9. The block of claim 8, wherein theremovable base includes one or more base apertures.
 10. The block ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one side comprises at least four sides ofequal length.
 11. The block of claim 1, wherein the at least one sidecomprises two long sides of equal length and two short sides of equallength.
 12. A block assembly comprising: a first block having at leastone side, wherein each of the at least one sides includes one or moretapered slots, each of the one or more tapered slots having one or moreapertures, wherein the at least one side has a bottom end and a top end,the bottom end comprising at least one footing and the top endcomprising a groove; a second block having at least one side, whereineach of the at least one sides includes one or more tapered slots, eachof the one or more tapered slots having one or more apertures, whereinthe at least one side has a bottom end and a top end, the bottom endcomprising at least one footing and the top end comprising a groove; adouble key having: a first side inserted in a first tapered slot of theone or more tapered slots of the first block and having one or moreapertures aligned with the one or more apertures of the first taperedslot, a second side inserted in a second tapered slot of the one or moretapered slots of the second block and having one or more aperturesaligned with the one or more apertures of the second tapered slot; andone or more connector tubes threaded through each of: the one or moreapertures of the first tapered slot, the one or more apertures of thefirst side of the double key, the one or more apertures of the secondside of the double key, and the one or more apertures of the secondtapered slot.
 13. The block of claim 12, wherein each of the one or moretapered slots has two apertures.
 14. The block assembly of claim 12,further comprising a single key inserted in a third tapered slot of theone or more tapered slots of the first block.
 15. The block assembly ofclaim 12, further comprising a removable base connected to the at leastone side of the first block.
 16. The block assembly of claim 15, whereinthe removable base includes one or more base apertures.
 17. The blockassembly of claim 12, wherein the first block comprises at least foursides of equal length.
 18. The block assembly of claim 17, wherein thesecond block comprises two long sides of equal length and two shortsides of equal length.
 19. The block assembly of claim 12, furthercomprising: a third block stacked on top of half of the second block; afourth block stacked on top of half of the third block and verticallyaligned with the second block; and a fastener having a first end and asecond end, wherein: the first end is looped around one connector tubeof the one or more connector tubes of the fourth block, the fastenerpasses through a midpoint of the third block, and the second end islooped around one connector tube of the one or more connector tubes ofthe second block.
 20. A block assembly comprising: a first block havingat least one side, wherein each of the at least one sides includes oneor more tapered slots, each of the one or more tapered slots having oneor more apertures, wherein the at least one side has a bottom end and atop end, the bottom end comprising at least one footing and the top endcomprising a groove; a second block having at least one side, whereineach of the at least one sides includes one or more tapered slots, eachof the one or more tapered slots having one or more apertures, whereinthe at least one side has a bottom end and a top end, the bottom endcomprising at least one footing and the top end comprising a groove; adouble key having: a first side inserted in a first tapered slot of theone or more tapered slots of the first block and having one or moreapertures aligned with the one or more apertures of the first taperedslot, a second side inserted in a second tapered slot of the one or moretapered slots of the second block and having one or more aperturesaligned with the one or more apertures of the second tapered slot; oneor more connector tubes threaded through each of: the one or moreapertures of the first tapered slot, the one or more apertures of thefirst side of the double key, the one or more apertures of the secondside of the double key, and the one or more apertures of the secondtapered slot; a third block stacked on top of half of the second block;a fourth block stacked on top of half of the third block and verticallyaligned with the second block; and a fastener having a first end and asecond end, wherein: the first end is looped around one connector tubeof the one or more connector tubes of the fourth block, the fastenerpasses through a midpoint of the third block, and the second end islooped around one connector tube of the one or more connector tubes ofthe second block.